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Sept 2022
Ken Jefferies was distraught after he lost a much-treasured item while on a visit to Ripon.
His cherished signet ring – a family heirloom with carnelian stone and intaglio depicting a Roman soldier - slipped off his wedding finger without him noticing.
When he realised it was missing, he began a desperate search, which saw him retrace his steps around the city streets and places he had visited.
The retired archaeologist and academic told the Stray Ferret:
He pointed out:
As well as being a constant reminder of his 56-year marriage to Marion, who died in 2021, the ring held memories of his aunt – a well-known actress who married into the Stevens family, owners of the former Grand Theatre in Glasgow.
The ring, with inscription, had originally been presented on November 4, 1899 to Vivienne's father-in-law, Ernest Stevens, by members of the theatre's band, in recognition of his writing and production of the smash-hit romantic musical For Bonnie Scotland.
Sharon Bielby, who played a part in ensuring that Mr Jefferies was re-united with the ring
Now, 123 years later, after passing down generations of the family, the heirloom was lost.
Among those in Ripon who Mr Jefferies told about the missing item, was Sharon Bielby, owner of a barber’s shop on North Street.
He said:
Sharon spotted on social media that the ring, which had been damaged after being run over in a nearby road, had been found and contacted Mr Jefferies to give him the good news.
After providing the link between finder and owner, she also recommended that he take it to Red Buttons jewellers at Halls of Ripon to see if it could be repaired.
In a final twist to the tale, Mr Jefferies, pointed out:
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